Before their upcoming showdown with No. 2 LSU, they played South Carolina State.

Think coach Steve Spurrier might know what he's doing?

Just as in the Gamecocks' opening win over Louisiana-Lafayette, Spurrier didn't have to show much of his hand in a 38-3 thumping of South Carolina State on Sept. 15.

He kept things pretty basic on offense, but he has to be bothered with his quarterbacks' four interceptions, three of them coming from starter Blake Mitchell.

"We've got to get Blake throwing more on rhythm," said Spurrier. "We've got to evaluate what we're doing. I won't be too hard on Blake, but we've got to get his confidence up."

Now, the Gamecocks can turn their focus to No. 2 LSU, where they'll likely have to rely on their defense and running game to have a chance in Baton Rouge.

"If we are going to continue to win at LSU or Arkansas, it's got to be a low score, 16-14 or so, unless we can throw it better," said Spurrier. "We've got some receivers to do it. Blake is just not confident he can make the throws."

KEEP AN EYE ON: QB Blake Mitchell -- The senior threw three interceptions in the win over South Carolina State. He looked uneasy in the pocket and indecisive.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I didn't play very well. I wasn't passing very well. I didn't play as well as I needed to. Their defensive line played well and our line blocked well. I didn't throw it like I could have. I have to go in there and let it go. I can't guide it; I just have to throw it." -- Quarterback Blake Mitchell.

Both Boyd and Davis went over 100 yards against South Carolina State.

"Cory and I feed off of each other," said Davis. "That is us. It's how we play. Cory and I and the rest of our running backs can do it. We want to go in there and play hard."

STILL NEEDS WORK: Quarterback Blake Mitchell struggled against South Carolina State, throwing three interceptions. The senior looks indecisive and uncomfortable with his mechanics.

ROSTER REPORT: Brandon Isaac injured the same shoulder he had surgery on in the win over South Carolina State.

Junior defensive tackle Nathan Pepper also was injured against South Carolina State, and Spurrier expressed concerns that Pepper "might have torn something."